Twin triumph for Mercedes-Benz in the 2013 Auto Trophy Classic

Two models from the Mercedes-Benz stable secured impressive victories in their vehicle classes in the inaugural Auto Trophy Classic. Readers of specialist magazine Auto Zeitung Classic Cars voted the Mercedes-Benz 600 and the 123-series T-Model estate the winners in their respective categories by a clear margin. “Classic cars and modern classics from Mercedes-Benz are among the icons of automotive history. The informed judgment of more than 23,500 readers gives us further motivation to continue enhancing the appeal of our classic cars,” says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. “I am especially pleased that the Mercedes-Benz 600 came first in the luxury class category in the year that it turns fifty.”
Mercedes-Benz caused a sensation when it unveiled its 600 model (W 100) at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show in September 1963. The company’s new top-of-the-range model was designed as an exclusive prestige vehicle for the most illustrious owners and boasted a host of engineering features as standard – including air suspension, automatic transmission, power steering and unique hydraulic controls. These exceptional appointments reflect the pinnacle of what was technologically possible at the time. In addition to the limousine available in both short and long wheelbase variants, there was also a landaulet. One particularly notable vehicle was the four-door Pullman landaulet built for Pope Paul VI. Fitted with a single seat in the rear, this limousine was used over two decades by three different popes. It is now on display in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

In the mid-range category, the readers of Auto Zeitung Classic Cars gave first place to the Mercedes-Benz 123-series estate, the forebear of the luxury estate and a member of the E-Class ancestral line. The vehicle, which came with hydropneumatic self-levelling rear suspension, was the first estate car developed entirely inhouse by Mercedes-Benz. The T-Modell was made at the Bremen plant between 1978 and 1985; the T in its name stood for Touristik and Transport.

This was the first time that readers of specialist magazine Auto Zeitung Classic Cars were called upon to vote for the Auto Trophy Classic. They were asked to select their ultimate classic car in five different categories: luxury class, mid-range, minis & compacts, sports cars and racing cars. All entries were in with a chance of winning the main prize of a Mercedes-Benz modern classic: an S-Class 140 series (1991 to 1998).